1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac STS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 43 kg more than 2011 Cadillac STS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Cadillac STS. (368 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Cadillac STS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 540 | STS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 368 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1802 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2957 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
